Waterway concrete and reinforced concrete construction.



J. S. WILLIAMS.

WATERWAY CONCRETE AND REINFORCED CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION. APPLICATION FILED MAR. 3, 1909.

1,051,043. Patented Jan. 21, 1913.

8 SHEETS-8KEET 2.

J. S. WILLIAMS. WATEBWAY CONCRETE AND REINFORCED CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION.

APPLICATION FILED MAB. 3, 1909.

W I M J. S. WILLIAMS.

WATERWAY comamz Am) REINFORCED CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION.

APPLIGATION FILED MAR. 3, 1909.

1.,051 O43 Patented Janl 21, 1913.

B SHEETHHEET 4.

gag/6 15 J. s. WILLIAMS. WATERWAY CONCRETE AND REINFORCED CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION APPLICATION FILED HA3. 3, 1909.

Patented Jan. 21, 1913.

B BHEETS-SHEET 5.

J. S. WILLIAMS. wunnwn concam. AND nsmroncnn concnm: conawnoc'rmu.

,043. APPLIOATIOI FILED Ill. 8. 1909. Patented Jan. 21

8 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

' @sTAT 1 ss I grENT OFFICE.

a'osnrn sroxss winmams, or mama, mew JERSEY.

" warsawa'r concurs am: 'nnmroncsn concurs CONSTRUCTION.

To all whom it may concern: 1

Be ityknown=that'-I, Josnrn Sroxas WIL- Lmars, a. eitizen'of the United States, residing at Riverton,'in' the county of Burlington, State of New Jersey, have invented a new and useful Waterway Concrete and Reinforced Concrete Construction, of which the following is a specification.

My invention is intended to be applied in the construction forming an establishment of bulk heads, dykes, shore or levee walls, sea walls, wharves, piers, foundations, and all other structures in or on waterway beds and constructions.

The purpose of my invention is to facilitate the construction of these various waterway structures and to improve their stability, efliciency and economy.

A further purpose of my invention is to make use of forms, or molds which can be cheaply and conveniently placed and removed, which are capable of successive uses and which present, or provide large units of construction in their capacity.

A further purpose of my invention is to provide for establishing large completed sections or units of construction successively and progressively along the lines of construction to completion.

float guides or 'forms for such'concrete constructions to place, to ahne the same, and to A. further purpose of my invention is to anchor them securely in alinement while in use as forms.

A further purpose of my invention is to sink the floatable and floated guides or forms in alined position or vary their ballast to 1 secure' anchorage'in alined position along one or both sides completed.- 1 Y A' further purpose of my invention is to makeu'se of. guides or forms for concrete construction which are floated to place and sunk 'or lowered. to alined operative position, to 'float'the sameagainfreefrom the construction forfwhich'they' have acted as forms, and to-successively use'the same in the construction'of other sections of the same i concretmg orf- In other work'zof' similar -na- A further "purpose 'off myinvention is to make us'e of the surfaceg' as' for' example; side of a; vessel? or of; a frame;.. work Qor member carried;or eupported-thembyare guide or Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed March 8, 1909. Serial No. 481,070.

of the construction to be Patented Jan. 21, 1913.

form in concrete construction along or in waterways.

A further purpose of my invention is to make use of the surface or interior of a vessel (whose side or frame or member attached thereto is being used as a guide or form) for the receipt and support of the materials and apparatus of which the concrete is being formed or by which the concrete is mixed or distributed.

A further purpose of my invention is to provide a space between a movable guide or form and another movable guide or form or fixed wall as the case may be, close the ends of the space so provided and fill the space with concrete to any desired height below, up to or above the surface of the water.

A further purpose of my invention is to provide asurface for a removable form intended to be used in concrete construction beneath the water, which surface reduces or prevents adhesion of the concrete thereto.

A further purpose of my invention is to provide a floatable guide or form capable of being sunk beside or along the line of construction whether the bed be graded or alined or not, which floatable form when sunk shall extend above the surface of the water.

A further purpose of my invention is to provide a floatable and sinkable form or guide for concrete construction which when sunk shall extend'above the surface of the water and support a working platform or provide such p atform for carrying on generally the operations of construction and receiving material and placing or discharging same in the chambers formed thereby.

A further purpose of my invention is to provide in one construction a form or guide for limiting concrete work, giving definite form and shape thereto, a working platform for receiving, mixing and distributing the same, and a dock for use of vessels supplying the materials.

A further purpose of my invention is to provide for'variant or variable contour of concrete structure with the same float-able and'sinka'ble guide or form therefor by securing the form adjustabl angularly upon or'against the side of the oatable structure.

-A further purpose of my invention is to floatadjustable or detachable forming or contouring surfaces for concrete to place,

55 same a'ct or separately, to anchor the form fioatable support orboth in the required position. i v

A farther'purpose of my invention is to dredge, excavate or "otherwise prepare the structureis to be placed, to float limiting walls or forms or such structure'toplace, to

i I I i 10 base or foundation upon which a concrete 1 l aline the same and sink or otherwise anchor them in operative position, to close the'ends of thespaoe thus formedand to fill the space to the desiredheight with concrete.

A further purpose of m invention is to provide a form or mold or concrete construction to place suction apparatus either in the form or mold where itis separate from the floating structure or in the floating structure itself or sides or ends thereof but preferably in the bottom of one or both of these, sink the form or mold or the floating structure or both to approximate position in alinement, dredge t 10 space if not previously excavated beneath the form or mold or beside it or beneath or beside the float-able structure by means of the exhaust apparatus so supplied, doin this exhausting either locally or enera ly beneath or beside the form or mo d or floatable structure until the required position and stability have been reached or requisite excavation shall have been made complete the alinement if necessary and fill in the concrete against the form or mold.

A further purpose of my invention consists in formin thesides and closing the ends of a space intended to contain concrete and part of which is below the surface of the water, in filling the same with concrete, in shifting the side-limiting walls of the former mold progressivelyto include an adjoiningcorres onding space with or without removal of t e limiting end wall of the section last completed, and in filling the second space with concretev against the end of the first spaceor the form comprising the limiting end wall thereof.

A further purpose of my *invention consists in successively forming side. and end walls about spaces in line with each other, parts of which lie-beneath thosurfaceof thelwateiyand in filling" thesaid spaces successively withconcrete. 1. I I

.A further, purpose of my invention consists .in floating; side walls of concrete formers}. to place," anchoring them in alined. operativeg position', placingi-.- the ilconcrete between thexnito"completegthe section, refloatingsaid walls, and 'moving;, thein to. alined positions with i their j-trailin'g ends 1 lapping t P E r i ns nhe centre's alreadyl' forme in'tt e Prevrouspo'sxtionof. the walls and repeating the operation to successively and Continuously establish the concrete construction with the precise and predetermined contour represented by the faces of the formers.

A further purpose of my invention consists in providing floating docks and platforms with adf'ustable sides capable of movement angu arly, vertically and otherwise with respect thereto, of adjusting these sides to the angle or position required for a concrete construction of the desired section infloatin them into place in alinement and sinking them to anchorage with the adjustable sides in position to act as formers for the concrete, in closing the ends of the space thus formed, in filling the space with concrete to the desired height, in moving the docks and platforms with the sides connected therewith to a new position with the sides overlapping the section of concrete previously constructed in anchoring the sides in alinement overlapping said section, inclosing the remaining or open end of the space formed between the sides in their new positions, in filling this space with concrete, and in repeating the operation for the purpose of obtaining continuity of concrete construction.

A further purpose of my invention is to provide fioatable forms or guides for concrete construction and means for anchoring them in osition to receive and provide the contour or the concrete wall.

A further object of my invention is to provide floatable forms or guides for concrete construction having the forming surface angularly disposed, and means for anchoring these forms in operative position to determine the contour of the concrete construction.

A further purpose of my invention is to accommodate the floats and the forming members thereof or thereon in size, angle and contour to meet the requirements of the particular structure or side of concrete structure to which they are to be applied.

A further purpose of my invention is to provide a pair of floatable and sinkable vessels or members to be placed one on each side of the concrete structure in contemplation, which vessels or members shall comprise or support the forms by which the sides of the concrete structure are determined.

A further purpose of my invention is to make use of suitable excavation or dredging and channeling to provide a base or bed for concrete construction, and to place the concrete by forcing it into the path excavated.

A further purpose of my invention is to establish single or multiple lines of wall construction in or along a bed of a waterway or a dredged, graded or alincd channolthereof, by meansof floatable, sinlcable and refioatable ap aratus for concrete chambering .and wall ormation, which shall be capzibleofbriontfinuoilils and re eated use interc inn :1 or,t e severe. urposes intended, v vhic shallforce the c dncrete into the chamber provided through the passages by which the excavation has been accomp ished and which shall-receive the excavated materialand supply the concrete upon or from a platform carried thereby.

A further'purposo of my invention is to supply a construction-and method of excavation, dredging,. channeling and alining beds for concrete construction, with or withoutthe use of the shore line or a fixed abutment to limit one surface of said construc- & tion.

A further urpose of my invention is to supply a met d or process of concrete con struction upon beds or foundations beneath i the surface of the water and in which floatable formers or sup orts for formers for one or both sides 0 the concrete are ancliored in position with the forming surface or surfaces in the requisite location to act as limiting surfaces determining the conformation of the concrete.

A further purpose of my invention is to supply a method and apparatus for forming or. contourin concrete upon a subaqueous base or foun ation bed or in such a bed by means of fioatable molds or mold-carrying supports, which supports may carry the molds for both sides of the concrete or be the molds for one side of the concrete and if desired, carry the mold for the other side thereof.

A further purpose of my invention is to protect the sides of'a subaqueous excavation during the time of cutting the same or after cutting and before or during the filling of the same-withconcrete or both.

A further-purpose of myinvention is to pro ressively. excavate and fill with concrete wit in a subaqueous bed and to a predetermined depth and level.

A further purpose of my invention is tolsupply a construction and method of excavation, dredging, channeling andalining 1 beds for concrete construction, with or without reinforcement, and ofv employing float- @able, sinkable and trans ortable concrete ichambering, receivin an formin vessels g or members in suitab e alinement a on the.-

line=of. construction,- softhat hundre or thousands-"0f tons of concrete construction can be accurately and expeditiously placed and contoured. in each position; or shift of 00 the chamberingl andiforming members and equipments.v i

In the use of the tend here toinclude alsothe various forms }of reinforcement thereof. which may be deisirable "in all-Ior any of the-constructions to term concrete I in- 'which I have referred above or do hereinafter refer. It is my purpose also to make use of such fillers as may be useful in individual cases, especially in large constructions, where the cost is materially reduced thereby without corresponding loss in value.

For the purpose of illustrating my invention I have shown in the accompanying drawings several forms of my invention which are at present preferred by me for the reason that the present safe, reliable and economical met ods and means of accomplishing the result and attaining requisite standards of stability with complete uniformity and reliability, but it is to be understood that the various elements and instrumentalities of which my invention consists can be variously arranged and organized and that my invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and organization of these instrumentalities or to the precise manner or method of o eration thereof herein shown and describe Figure 1 is a perspective, partially interrupted illustrating one form of my invention. i 2 is a perspective, artially interrupted, showing a modified orm of my invention. Fi 3 is a perspective interrupted in part of a urther modified form of my invention. Fig. 4 is a pempective of a furthermodified form of apparatus used in my invention. Figs. 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are perspectives interrupted in part of a few of the forms of concrete construction which my methods and apparatus are intended to produce. Fig. 10 is a erspective, partially interrupted, of a furtlier modified form of my invention. Fig. 11 is a perspective, partially interrupted, showing a further form of my invention. F i 12 is a perspective of a modification o the form shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a perspective, artially interrupted, showing a further orm of my invention. Fig. 14 is a perspective, partially interrupted, of another embodiment of my invention. Fig. 14 shows a perspective and sectional view of means for placing concrete. Fig. 15 is a perspective of a construction of the ty 0 intended to be made by the apparatus s own in Fig. 11. Fig. 16 is a perspective, partially interrupted, of a still further form of my invention. Figs. 17 and 18 are sectional and perspective views of the construction shown in Fig; 16 and the result of the method of its operation. Fig. 19 represents a perspective showing a modified form of sheathing.

Similar numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts in the figures.

Referring to the drawings:--1 designates a concrete construction, by which as above indicated, I intend throughout to include anyof the permissible forms of reinforced concrete, whether this reinforcement be by longitudinal, transverse, diagonal or vertical them; to; this -position- I I comprisingposts 18 and flexible connections members-or bars or-piles 'or by an other suitable means. I intend also to inc ude all of the permissiblevariationsinbase or mixture,-material"or proportion thereof. In the illustration'of Fig.-1,I have'shown this concrete-i 'construction as tapered uniformly from :a "natural -or excavated bed 2"thereof alongsides 3 and 4- extending from a point beneath thewate'r-v eyond the surface '5 of the :water andformed-with a top 6.- Evidently it may bez'either straight ortapered and -may I taper in either. direction, having thetop either smaller or slightly larger in width thanthe bottom thereof, as for reinforcementwithin the bed. It may also be stepped'orcurved' and the two sides may differ in-any desired way as to contour or $10 e. The concrete may also terminate beneath 5'16 surface of the water or at any required height above it.

In Fig. 1, I have indicated the concrete structure 1 as set along an excavated channel shown in dotted lines at 7, which excavation may be continuous or'interrupted according to the nature of the bed or alinement required. In the structure shown in Fig. 1, I have preferred to make use of boulder concrete 1n the'lower portion at 8 and a normal mixture in the upper portion at 9 thou h evidently either of these might be used or the entire structure. While I have shown a portion of this concrete structure completed for the purpose of better illustration of my process and of the use of the apparatus illustrated, I will describe the same as be 'nning upon the first section of concrete to e const-ructed and passing from that pointto the adjoining section il ustrated as under construction in Fig. 1. In this form I make use of floatable structures 10, comprising to surfaces 11, end walls 12, side walls 13 14 and bottom-walls 15. Because the slopes of thetwo sides of the structure 1 are equal these two float-able structures are shown in Fig. 1 as duplicates,.but it is not necessary and otherwise for fillingfthe chambers above the water level; Evidently this could be accom lished l by an independent 'pumpin mec anism' carried b' For convenience-in ho ding theseltwo structures in fixedf relative; ositioni'gor'fbringing have shown means 19iand' 'screw. couplings 20 -with' suitable tere minals' thereof. .-.}'Any other? suitable spacing I mcans or blocks naybe usedto assist-in the purpose 'ofsecuring the correct 'spacement 'a separate. vesse 21. Evidently any well known means might be employed for bringing these loatable structures into desired relation and maintaining them there. The side walls 14 in this structure of Fi 1 are intended to constitute forms or mo ds to limit the concrete and determine the contour of its sides. They form a-chamber or s ace within which the concrete is placed an cooperate with means hereinafter described closing the ends thereof. In Fig. 1 the end closures of the space 22 are respectively the end 23 of the section of concrete already constructed and the sheet piling at 24.

I provide for the mixing of the concrete in any suitable manner as by a mixer 25 and I mount any such form of mixer upon a truck 26 rolling upon the surface 11 of one or both of the floatable molds or formers or upon tracks thereon so as to move substantially parallel with the line of construction. I may make use of a distributing hopper 27 and discharge pipe 28 which latter may be flexible or telescopic or otherwise adapted to apply the concrete to the surface of the construction already laid to secure uniformity of distribution and opportunity for as well as uniformity in setting.

In startin a concrete construction witl apparatus 0 the general type indicated in Fig.1 I excavate or dredge or otherwise aline the bed where this is necessary, float the forms to approximate osition and aline and anchorthem. I muc prefer securing my anchorage by sinking the floatable forms and do that by allowing the water to enter them and by pumpin in water above water level. I determine t e position and alinement of the forms by any suitable survey means and where necessary guide them to their sunk position as by the means shown in Fig. 2, making use of the posts, flexible connection, screw and spacing block shown or of other means for determining and maintaining the relative position of the two forms where this is found necessary.

Side lines of piling may be made use of to tentatively .determine the position of the forms .and to guide them in longitudinal movement for the purpose hereinafter described throughout the line of construction. Such iles are shown in Fig. 3. I preferably sink the forms by altering their ballast throu h valves or pipes 16 letting the water flow t erein'to any required extent. In this manner I form a space between these two forms which so far as thus described is open at the ends. In the first section constructed I close both ends with sheet piling such as is shown-at 24 or in any other suitable manner unless I chance to begin my structure where I already have a closed end as against a dock or pier. The closure for the ends could of course be another floatable and sinkable construction or mold. An advantage of the metal sheetpilingliesin the corrugated or ribbed conformation of the end vthus obtained and the. consequent interfitting of the parts of adjoining sections. This advantage could of course beobtained in other ways.

-Asthus described I have a space lying betweentheforms and closed at its ends in any suitablelmanner. This space need not be emptied of the water normally therein. The surface of the forms is entirely suitable for dockin -purposesto act as decks and platforms for the receipt and storage of the materials andifor the complete operation of handling the same from the time of their delivery by the vessels to their distribution as concrete. Reinforcement may be effected at any desired .stage or sta es in the construction either alon the be or within the chamber at any'angFe and at any height as previously suggested.

\Vhen the concrete has been filled in to the desired height either above or below the surface of the water as the completion of the work may require and has set sullicient-ly the floatable forms are freed from water sulliciently to float the same and are towed or moved along the line of construction to such a position that their trailing ends lap the forward end of the construction already completed when they are alined and sunk to form a chamber having the forward end of the last construction as a limiting end wall and the same side walls as before, namely the sides of the floatable forms or molds. The remaining end of the chamber is closed by means of sheet piling or other suitable means and the operation of mixing and filling is repeated to complete a duplicate as nearly as may be required of the previous construction. Continuity ofconstruction with precision-is thus obtained.

It will-be noted that Imake use of flotation to transport and locate the main molds for; the concrete and that I may float all of the molds to' place using all of the same generalcharacten-i. 0. supported upon or art of a float. and capable of being set by sinking.,.the float and removed by refiotation thereof. It .will be further noted that the number, character. and size of the molds to beused will .be determined. by theindividual circumstances. of the jconstructionrequired.

For exam 1e, where the shore line, a. pier or some at er'formationis to be faced or already performs the function of the inner or a bounda -wall or form but one other such form will e required ,unless it be necessary or desirable-to closethe'nds by floatable and; sinkable means, which. means can of course be corrugated, ribbed or otherwise shaped freely as of. course is'.also the case with any of m molds orforms whieh may difl'er.-,both'in., etail and-in general contour.

It willibe apparent that 'any form of valve meehamsmfor allowing water to enter my iloatable support may be made use of and that any kind of pump and connections may be applied to reduce the ballast and float the su port. Any ty )e of mixer may be used an the means of spacing several such supports or ofdrawing or maintaining them in relative osition may be applied. A. variety of guiding means may also be made use of to insure accurate placing of the supports when they have been sunk in position or are being so sunk, and tugs, shore lines or any other means of transportation or placing before or after sinking would of course come within my invention.

I contemplate securing the mold face to my support by any suitable means, making it integral with one of the sides thereof, separate but secured thereto rigidly, detachably or adjustably, or in any other suitable manner by which it becomes operative in connection with said support.

In Fig. 2 my fioatable supports 10 are shown with one side 29 of each perpendicular to the surface of the water, which side in one case is shown as carrying the mold face in operation against the concrete and with the other sides 30 and 31 at an angle with respect to the perpendicular, the side 30 being ta ered as an integral part of the support an in this instance shown as carry ing the operative 'mold face of this particular support, and the side 31 being upon a part 32 initially separate therefrom but attached thereto temporarily or permanently according to the requirements of the pan ticular case. Of course either side or either end of any of these supports could be made use of 'for the molding operation.

In the form in Figs. 1 and 2 I show tubes 33 which are extended vertically or if required, at an angle thereto, through my float-- able'supports for the purposes of fluid excavation or hydraulic dredging. It is my purpose to make use of these by connection with any suitable pump such as 34, which I preferably connect detaehably therewith as by a hose 35, but evidently a rotary pump and connections can be permanently attached to these" tubes or any standard fluid dredging apparatus mounted upon a separate vessel or support may be connected therewith. As my invention does not reside in the character of this pump nor in the specific connections by which it is operatively joined with these tubes, I have shown it by conventional showing only.

I make use of a pump of any suitable character which may be the same pump 3-l if desired to withdraw the water ballast from my fioatable support or Supports in orderto refloat them and for that purpose connect any such pump of any character by hose or piping 35 to water ballast chambers, see Fig. 2; I have shown aperturee 37 in the ends of my supports to indicate that thetluid excavating means may be applied to any other surface of my floatable supportswhether-side or end for use in lateral excavation as ma be 're uired.

I Where fluidiexcavatlon of t e'bed is suitableby reason of,-the character thereof or desirable. for any reason-i either to provide for proper foundation for the concrete or more secure placing of the'support when sunk I sink thesupport or supports until the fluid excavating apparatus 1s in operative relation'with thebottom'or side which is to be removed in" whole or in part connect the pump and complete the excavatlon to the required extent, ollowing u asma be necessary by the continued sinking oft e support or lateral or end movement thereof. When this excavation has-been completed or when desired without excavation, preliminary or otherwise, I may make use of the tubes 33 as guides for the placing of piles by any suitable pile driver mounted upon or in proximity to my support. To avoid confusion of the drawing I have not illustrated this pile driver even conventionally. Pile. drivers are well known in the art.

For convenience in placing my support or supports itis often desirable to guide them in their movement while being sunk to place. A large variety of guides would prove suitable for this purpose and in illustrating the a form in Fig. 2 where posts 39 fit within grooves 40 it has not been my purpose to suggest that these are the only or even markedly the best guides which may bev made use of.

; They are effective for the purpose and the 3 posts 39 can be readily and quickly set in the bed after the survey or other means has determined the location of the supports.

In Fig. 2. I have shown the two supports assunk to different levels. as may evidently at any time be permissible and desirable where there is natural inequality in the bed. For additional bracing of the supports when in place as well as when being set I may make use of piles 41.

In the form shown in Fig. 8 I have removed a portion of the sheet piling closing the open end of-the space, between the forms or molds,'in' this case comprising separate Wings or frames 42. pivoted to the supports I at 43' and held inv position by means of screws'44' attached to these wings or frames I rotatively at 45- and arranged to operate 5 upon each wing or. frame in unison bv means of member 46 and gearing 47 which causes the screws to turn within the nuts 48. In this Fig. 8 the valve at 49 by which water ballast is let 'intolmyvsunport. or supports through ineso-isshown in greater detail.

' The-trailing ends 5110f my mold have been 3 shown as overlapp'ing'the section offconcrete L ustpreyio'usly constructed which" is conven- I ient though-'not'essential if they fullv'meet this oomplete d' section so that it affords 0108- ing means for the end or if other provision be made for uniting the two ends adjoining. I have also preferred to withdraw the closure to the open end or ends of the space between the molds, preferably sheet piling as before stated, but the piling or other closure might of course be left in place where the expense of its withdrawal, the additional anchorage given to it or other reason makes this desirable.

I have considered my method and apparatus as operating upon a subaqueous bed whether this bed be a natural one or be dredged or otherwise prepared, and my method and apparatus provide for the dredging where necessary with either subsequent or coincident placing of concrete within the same. In the structure in Fig. 3 I have shown means for varying the angle of the sides of the finished concrete throughout wide limits with the same apparatus and in most of the constructions illustrated by me it is immaterial whether the completed concrete be intended to terminate below, at or above the surface of the water.

In Fig. 4, I have shown floatable supports 10 of the type having one of the sides of the support act at the forming surface for the concrete and with that nomenclature prefer to call the surfaces 52 ends, notwithstanding that in this articular illustration they might be called si es with equal propriety. It is immaterial whether a side or end act as the forming surface or carry it. I have preferred to have these ends approximately perpendicular to the side act-mg as the former or mold in proximity thereto but slope them awayeither in tapered or curved form as at 53 for the purpose of relieving the pressure of the current or diverting it to avoid excessive strain upon the support both when in flotation and when sunk.

In Figs. 5 to 9 inclusive I illustrate various cross sections of wall capable of construction by the apparatus which I have rlc scribed, as an illustration of their variety but without intention to suggest much less assert that these are all of the contours or types since such is evidently not the case. In Fig. 5 I illustrate a double taper upon a dredged bed having a preponderance of rock at the bottom thereof at 54, transversely reinforced at 55 and in effect vertically reinforced as'well as additionally anchored by pile 56. In Fig. 6 I illustrate a wall also of double taper upon a dredged base which has been reinforced or strengthened by piles 57 upon which reinforced base and initial preponderance of rock 54 is used. In Fig. 7 I illustrate a wall of rectangular cross section upon a dredged base and laterally reinforced by rock at 58. In each of the formsof Figs. 7, 8 and 9 there is also a preponderance of rock at the bottom at 54. In Fig. 8 the cross section is tapered with a 86 surfaces iit.will-.be .evic l'entl that they,-1i1ay be greater 1 i nearr the bottom thanqat the .tion'to the-taper at-GO-gih such a'fo rm,

top in. order; to :lower: the center of gravity and relatively increase. the width :of base The tapergat '59'may bear any desiredtrtga-i M as. suggested,1thetaper of should pref-i e'rablys be 'f. more '=nearly'i iverticaly than theg taperst .59 gi In' the form ji'shown-g' in Fig. i 9 tlieasamegeneral e'fi'ect'ifmay be'attainede as in the otherfigures but byjmeans' of steps; 61.--.?;The hei ht and width of the steps there? shown'is-the same*f oreach step as-fm' every; other; step {corresponding ,more. nearly. to; Fi s. '5;and'6'than to Fig.'-8.' I

l n'wFig."10,-I--have shown a wall or abut-f ment 62 in proximity'to which the concrete construction isto be built and have shown: the bed' as reinforced by piles at 63. One end 64 of the fioatablesupport 10 acts as a} mold for the concrete upon one side and the opposite side is molded by the wing or. frame 65 pivoted in a frame (36 which is vertically movable in guides 67. After the height is set the angular position of the wing 65 can be'adjusted by means of arm 68 and adjustment 69 acting upon bolts 70 and 71 attached respectively to these arms and to anchorages 72. I have shown sheet piling at 73 for the purpose of reinforcing the bed. The guides are supported by any suitable frame work 74.

I recognize that the result attained in Fig. 10 where both molds are carried by the same floatable structure and one at least is adjustable angularly and vertically with respect to the support could be attained by a variety of other constructions and that some advantage might result without either or both of the adjustments for thewing, but inthis latter case some of the advantage in flexibility of the system would be sacrificed as it would not meet the variety of shapes required in general use without reconstruction and as it might be dillicult to free it from the concrete after construction, particularlv if the taper of the wall or walls were slight. Of course the construction shown in Fig. 10 could be used with a float whose main former face .was also angularly adjustable to taper both sides.

In the form'shown in Fig. 11 I have shown a floatable support 10 whose under surface is grooved as shown in end elevation. at 75, '76-'a'nd 77 to the shape ofthe concrete construction which is to be formed. The contour or under surface indicated therefore, in this type constitutes'the mold or "form for the concrete and the pipes or vtubes33 and 37 constituteexcavating tubes or permit the insertion of tubes by which the material of the bed maybe removed to'the required extent vertically or laterally.v While I have shown these tu es or pa'ssagewa'ys'as covermgibut a small portiono f.the topand end "spread over as much of either surface as may be required to provide for either vertical or horizontal feeding or both. The passages 78 provide entrance for concrete along the top 76 of the space formed by the dredging .operation. Concrete can be inserted through dinal movement of the mold if this prove necessary in individual cases. It will not always be required.

In Fig. 15 I have shown the structure resulting from the operation of the device illustrated in Fig. 11 when operated by the method described. In these side walls 79 and 80 are formed integrally with the connecting base 81 which is firmly placed upon a dredged channel.

In Fig. 12 I show a construction capable oi operation to form or mold a single wall of the type indicated at 79 and 80 and in which the excavation can be made by hydraulic means through the passages 78 or through pipes or tubes 33, 37 (see Fig. 11) which I have not considered it was necessary to here illustrate. In both of the forms 11 and 12 the form or mold should be rested inposition after the concrete has been com pletely formed in order that it may be sup ported while setting. In both of the illustrations 11 and 12 the channel is shown ahead of the iloatable mold or former as dredged preliminary by any suitable form of dredge or excavator though the two structures operated by the method described are capable of doing their own dredging. In both cases also when doing their own dredging they could be sunk to a lower dredging position and afterward raised to mold and finish. or the dredging can be done by adjustable members through the tubes, passageways or channels with molding and finishing as above stated. This raising could be accomplished by variation in ballast, by separate mechanical means or by closing the passages 78 and putting pressure on the concrete and bed.

In-Fig. 13, I have shown two floats 10" sunk into alinement on the bed with a contrally located member 82 between them, which can be raised and lowered thereto by varying the ballast or by any other suitable means, for excavating thereunder and for raising and lowering the working or gans 83 for sub-pier or wall and bed excavation and concrete reception and fornmtion. Both the side or float members are adapted to be lowered and raised by varying water ballast and otherwise as in the other cases and are provided with fluid excavating ap- Bliances for use where needed. The memer 82 is also provided with bottom and end excavating means and may be of any required or desired contour for excavating and forming or molding purposes. The

i I have" use 5 spaced-laterally and formed into temporary sides of the side members 10 as well as of the member '83- may be used for forming purposes and S3 or 82 and 83 together may be moved along their sides verticall and otherwise tocoiiperatein the molding or forming proces forestablishing concrete on one or more sub walls of the foundation; andif desired a concrete bed between can be laid b raising the member 82 sutiiciently to provi e a determined depth over bed and to formconstruction similar to that shown in Figs. 11 and15.

In Fig. 14 I have shown removable wearing platesurfaces 94'adapted for-use on my various forms. In the form shown in Fig. 16 I make useof one or more excavators, of which I have shown two on each side thereof, namely, conveyers 85 and fluid excavators 86 in line with channel ways 87 for the concrete, and have shown in the form a trailer or former at 88 for limiting, leveling and receiving the concrete as the structure there shown is moved forward either continuously or step by step to cut and concrete a channel or a multiple of such channels. Fig. 17 shows a section of one of these cutting and concreting organs as will be seen from similar figures of reference on Fig. 10, and Fig. 18 shows a pair of walls such as could be formed by the structure seen in Fig. 16, said walls being numbered respectively 89 and 90. Traveling excavators, of course, may not be used in many locations as the suction would be effective, operating along the faces in substitution of or in conjunction with the traveling organs as will be understood by reference to Figs. 16 and 17.

In the forms shown in Figs. 13, 14 and 15 I have illustrated methods and apparatus of constructing continuous walls with definite, predeterminable height for foundation or other pur oses, refera ly subaqueous but not necessari y so, y means of s aced sheet piling, tubular pilin side by sitlb and juxtaposed, or other hol ow structures in which successive pairs or mating sections are sunk hydraulics ly ,or otherwise excavated, an filled with concrete, the

siling being removed to allow contact an jointing of the 'soft'concrete when the required filling has been attained. I illustrate tubular piling 91 of preferably rectangular-section, using cutting face, or hollow cutting point 92 and guide 93 =and 'juxtaposed in any manner such as' shown in- Fig. 14". Interlocking may be used toinsure close union or alinement.{ But jt'wo parallel rows are shown. Evidently these could beindefinitely multiplied inany-'..-direct.ion to" provide continuous,fjsolid formationpf concrete-below the bed 'or in the -bed;or adjoining but as arate wallss'ofiangishape.orgcontour. :In ig. 14 two: rows of sheet piling 94 adapted to be raised and lowered.

sections for excavating and filling purposes by structural shapes or piling here shown as 95. Anytransverse member would answer this purpose. I also show interior longitudinal-reinforcement by piles 90. In Fig. 13, I'have shown fioatable and sinkablc structures 10" with member 103 centrally alined between them and also floatable and The member 103 is shown equipped with and carrying the guide members 97 and framing 98 with downwardly projecting operating Earts 99 whereb the framin 98 and mem era 99 can be at justed vertica ly along thehorizontal lines of work. These also operate the suction and concrete laying organs indicated at 100 and 101, respectively, similar to arrangements shown in Figs. 16 and 17. The constructions illustrated in Figs. 14 and 14: could of course be used between the plates 99 and would then constitute suction tubes or passages for the purpose there illustrated. In Fig. 13 I show also guides 10?. for sheet piling such as for example are illustrated in Fig. 14.

The combined cutting, excavating and concrete laying apparatus of Fig. 13 is similar to the structure of Fig. 16 in its purpose from most standpoints. Each' differing from the other in some important features. The side supportin members 10 in Fig. 13, tloatable and sinka le along the line of construction and supportin the intermediate dred e 103 or alining tie same also adds stabi ity and flexibility to the system there shown. The hydraulic piston 104 provides for quick and reliable adjustment of the hei ht of the cutting members and the excavatlng and filling means carried thereby or associated therewith.

In Fig. 19 at 105 I have shown side sheathin any of t e float-able and sinkable structures which I have illustrated and replaceable when worn out or when sheathing of a different character is desired.

"It will be seen that the several means which I have shown for carrying out the purposes indicated constitute but a few of a number of ossible means therefor and that other met ods of construction are also applicable without departing from my invention. Evidently there must be some limit to the number of. constructions and methods required to be illustrated as indicative of the" breadth.of invention.

"Having thus described my invention, what I-claim' as-new and desire to secure by Letters ,Patent, is

, f1; The method of constructing concrete work in or about waterways which consists in securin a mold or former to the side of a vessel, in floatin it to approximate po- 'sition-,'in sinking it to alined position, in placingthe concrete against the mold, and

suitable for use in connection with afisfiaasgia sessand1am.- removing the mold-10m formerwhen the. concrete has 23- The. nie hod j.- fof constructing' "concrete workfi n 'orabout' waterwaystwhich consists informing asurfac'eof a'vessel as a mold or: former for' concrete-work, in floatin the resselwtoapproximate position in sin ing the .VQSSGLSOJIIS to-bring the mold or former. surface intoalined position,'- in lacin the concrete against the surface, an in re oating-the vessel-"when the concrete has set.

31The' metliodv-of constructing concrete work in or about waterways. which consists in forming. concrete between. surfaces of floatablevessels sunk to alined position, and in retloating the. vessels to remove them from the concrete-after it has hardened.

4. The-method of constructing concrete work in or about waterways which consists in sinking vessels to define the required space for concrete, in closin the ends of the space so formed, and in fil mg the space so formed with concrete.

5. The method-of constructing concrete work in or about waterways, which consists in floating a vessel carrying a mold or former to approximate position, in adjusting the mold or former with reference to the side of the vessel either before or after said flotation, in sinking the vessel until the mold or former is in the required position, and in placing the concrete against the mold or former.

6. The method 'of forming the surface of concrete under water, which'consists in sinkin a floatable'structure until its formin point occu ies-the required boundary position for't e concrete, and in placing the concrete against said forming part.

7. The method of contouring concrete under water, which consists in floating a mold of therequired contour into approximate position,"inclining and sinkin this mold to exact' 'position',' -in placing tie concrete against or withinthe mold, and in refloating themoldto' remove it from the concrete.

8. The' method offorming concrete under water, which consists in floating molds or formers to position on oppositesides of the position.of-theconcrete to be constructed, m-sinkin them so that their adjoining surfaces siall constitutecooperating molds or formers for said concrete, in closing the space between-said molds or formers, and in filling-'thespace to the required height with concrete. I

9. The method of :forming concrete under water, which consists in floating molds or formers'to position on opposite sides of the positionof the'concret'e-to be constructed, in sinking them so that their adjoining surtaccs'shall' constitute molds'or formers for saitl concrete',}in closing the space defined by said molds or formers, in filling the space to'tho required height. with concrete, and in removing the forms or molds by reflotation.

'10. The method of constructing concrete work under water, which consists in floating the formers or molds for the sides of the concrete work to approximate position, in sinking and alinin them to exact. position, in closing the cuts of the space between them by sheet. metul )iling, in filling the space to the required height with concrete, and in removing the side formers or molds by flotation.

11. The process of forming concrete construction under water which consists in floating a mold in proximity to the bed, sinking and suction-dredging it to alined position, forming the concrete against the mold, and rcfloating the mold.

12. The process of forming concrete construction under water which consists in dredging the bed, suction-dredging the adjoining surface and at the same time placmg a mold thereon, placing concrete againstthe mold and floating the mold away from the concrete.

13. As a step in the process of forming concrete under water, the sub-process of surface suction-dredging the bed and alining the molds in proper relationship to the bed to confine and give determined form to concrete construction.

14. The process of forming concrete under water which consists in making any necessary preparation of the bed, and alining and at the same time seating a mold to confine the bed and in forming concrete against the mold.

153. The method of constructing concrete upon a foundation under water which consists in varying the ballast of a floating and sinkable mold, operating a hydraulic dredge through the mold, seating the mold to chamber the bed and placing concrete within the chamber so formed.

16. The method of constructing concrete upon a SlllJflt ueous foundation, which consists in ballnsting the foundation and strengthening it with piles, in floating a mold to approximate position on each side thereof, in sinking and alining the molds to operative position by sinking the supportcarryin them, and in filling the space between the molds with concrete.

17. The method of constructing concrete upon a subaqueous foundation which consists in floating a mold in proximity to the bed and in operating means to alinc the mold in proper engagement with the bed, of filling the mold to completion of the upper surface and removing the mold thcrcfrom by flotation.

18. The method of constructing concrctc upon a subaqucons foundation which consists in floating a mold to position along the line' 'fof work, locating the moldin 'alinemen'tand proper engagement with the bed by variatiomof ballast and fluid-dredging and in placing the concrete against the mold within thc space confined by the mold.

19. In a devlce for moldmgccucretc upon 4' a subaqueons base, a fioatable support,- a mold face secured thereto, and'means upon the support for'reducing-the strain of the current thereon.

, -20. Ina device for moldiin' concrete upon a subaqueous base, a floatiib lev support-,1! moldface attached thereto, means for sinking the support, and a tapered or curved face upon that side ofthe support opposite the mold face. T I

21. The,method ofconstructing concrete ,work. upon or' *within a .subaqucons base' which consists in progressively. cha nibering the area-and space. to be concreted, filling the chamber so formed with concrete and removing and re lacing the mold organism along the lineo construction by changing ing the mold b flotation.

24. The met 0d of laying concrete pro-,

. gressively alonga snba ucous bed which consists in progressively loating a mold into. osition along the line of work, varying its egree'eat flotation to a determined position of alinement and en agementwith the bed,

filling the'space so. ormed with concrete to a determined height, relloating the molding members and progressively placing and o crating the same along the line of Work, lappin the previously completed concrete for one successive placing of the mold.

'25.-Th'e method'of forming a continuous wall within or upon a subaqne0us bed which consists in supporting molds for the sides of the concrete upon a float, in varying the ballast of the float to sink and thus anchor the molds in the required position, in closing the ends of the space formed between the molds, in filling the space to the required height with concrete, in reducing the ballast to raise the floats, inadvancing them to a position in alinementwit-h the section of concrete thus constructed, 'in again sinking and anchoring them in alined position for a succcedin section, in closing the space thus tonne in filling this space with cona snbaqueons base, a floata create, and again removing the molds.

I 26. The method of forming a continuous wall of concrete upon or within a suba ucous bed which consists in alining the lied at the places and to the depth required, in floating the molds for the sides of the wall to npproxiu'iate position, in placing them by sinking the floats, in cli'ectiug a closure of the ends of the space thusformed, in filling the space with concrete, in raising the molds by flotation, in resinking them in alineiuent with the section of wall thus constructed,inetl'ecting a closure of the space between the molds in each successive location, and in filling this space to the required height. with concrete.

2?. The method of ct'instructing concrete walls upon subaqueons foundations which consists in supporting a mold or' molds for said concrete by flotation, in placing said mold or molds by varyin the ballast of the support and in filling t to space between 'the mold or molds.

28. The method of constructing walls upon subaqueons foundations which consists in supporting a mold or molds for the sides of the walls by flotation, in placing the mold or molds, by sinking the support or supports, in eflecting a closure of the ends of the space thus formed, in filling the space with concrete, in refloating the support or suppor in re-placing the mold or molds inclined position by a ain sinkingthe supports, in closing the and of the space .thus formcdand in filling this second space with concrete.

29. In a device for use in molding conerete, a float, a moldsnpported upon the float, and means to reduce the buoyancy of the float to set the mold in position.

30. In a device for use. in molding concrctc, afloat-having a side thereof formed as a mold for the concrete, and means for sinkin the float.

31. n a device for use in molding concrete, afloat having one side thereof adapted for use. as a mold for the concrete, and means for anchorin the flout.

32. In a device or use in molding concretc, a float adapted to have itsheightof flotation varied and fixedly supporting a mold for the concrete.

33. In a-device for use in molding eoncretc, a float, one side of which is adapted as a mold for the concrete.

34. In a device for use in molding concrete, a float, means for sinking the. float to place the mold, and means for raising the float to remove themold.

35. In a device for molding concrete upon a subaqucous base, a molding surface, means for flotation 0t the-mold, and means for adjustmentof thcposition of the mold and its flotation means.

B6. In a device for moldin concrete upon do support, a molding surface carried thereby, means for Ilivar'yingitlie relativeposition: of the support 1 and surface, and ineans for sinking the supt 37. In*'a device" f ormoldin concrete upon a subaqueo us'ii'base, "a fioata le support, a molding surface zl carried thereby and I attachedthereto," {and-means for varying the angular"-Irelation -betweenthe support and surface.} 1 ;.l 1 1 I 38. In adevice. formolding concrete upon a subaq'tieous j-base,= a'floatable support, a plurality (of zmolding -i' surfaces attached thereto and formin a space therebetween i for the concrete, an means for sinking the a subaqueous base, a floatab support. 1

39. In a'devicefor molding concrete upon support, and

1 a plurality of molding surfaces attached thereto and forming a space therebetween 1 for the concrete.

-10. In adevice for moldin concrete upon fa subaqueous base, a floata le support, a

v the supports'to anchor the surfaces in rea subaqueous base, a

1 with the surfaces in alined 1 end 0 the, space between the surfaces.

quired position, and means for closing the ends of the space formed between the surfaces.

42. In a device for moldin concrete upon pair o 'floatable supsur ace carried by each r anchoring the supports osition, and sheet iling 'for effecting a -c osure of the ports, a-molding support, means 0 43. A combined dock, concrete" platform and mold and means for varying the degree ,of fiotationofthe same.

1 a subaqueous'base, a fioatable support,' means -f or allowin'gi water to enter the sup ort to Slnk thesame, means for refloating t e sup- 44.' Ina'.device for molding concrete upon port, and means foriexcavating by suction.

45. In fifdViC formolding concrete upon subaqueous base a fioat'able sup ort, means for varying its ballastitosink an refloat the same, and suction excavating apparatus operative upon the bed on the under surface of the support.

Copies ofithts patent may be obtained for 46. In an excavator for subaqueous work, a fioatable mold, an excavator carried thereby, and means for letting water into the suport to brin the excavator into proper rcationship with the material to be excavated.

47. In an excavator for subaqueous work. a floatable mold, an excavator of fluid type carried thereby, and means for varying the ballast of the support to bring the excavator into operative position with respect to its work.

48. In a device for molding concrete upon a subaqueous base, a floatable support, openings therethrough, a suction excavator operatlve through said openings, means for sinking the support, and means for permitting pi es or reinforcements to be driven or placed through said opening.

49. In a device for moldin concrete upon a subaqueous base, a floata le support, u mold for the concrete carried thereby, guides for said supports, and means for sinking the su ports alon the guides.

50. n a device %or moldin concrete upon a subaqueous base, a floata le support, a mold for the concrete carried thereby, means for sinking the support, and piles bracing said support upon the side opposite the mold.

51. In a device for molding concrete upon a subaqueous base, a 'floatable support, a mold face secured to one side thereof, guides at the ends thereof, and means upon the support for cooperating with the guide to direct vertical movement of the sup ort.

52. A vessel having a side thereo formed as a mold for concrete.

53. A vessel having a side thereof formed as a mold for concrete in combination with means for var ing its fioatable power.

54. A vesse having a side formed as a mold for concrete in combination with a deck therefor adapted to operate as a working platform in concrete construction.

55. In apparatus for placin concrete within subaqueous beds, the comfiinution of dredging and concrete lacing apparatus with floatable and sinks le structures for varying'the height of the dredging and concrete placing apparatus.

J OS. STOKES \VILLIAMS,

Witnesses:

J.'D. Jaonsox, C. D. MCVAY.

five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. 0. 

